Siege of Veterani Cave

On August 11, the Ottomans attacked the outer fortifications, and after bloody engagements, the Ottomans routed the Imperials and killed 400 of their troops. Baron had to retreat to the cave and take a position there.^[5][6][7] The next day, the Ottomans launched an assault but were repelled with artillery fire. The Ottomans began heavily bombarding the cave, which caused the rocks, grenades, and burning wood from the height to fall down.^[8]

On August 17, the Ottomans offered a one-day truce, which the Imperials accepted, which gave relief after days of fierce engagements. Meanwhile, they offered the Imperials to surrender in exchange for their lives, which was rejected, leading to another fierce bombardment the next day. From August 28 to 30, the Ottomans launched several assaults, and the Imperials fought with vigorous resistance, during which Lieutenant Voith distinguished himself.^[9]

Despite this, the Imperials were in a difficult position, they began running out of ammunition and food supplies, along with exhaustion from fighting, which led to Baron asking to surrender by dropping their weapons in exchange for free passage, to which the Ottomans agreed. On August 31, the Imperials ceded the cave and left unharmed.^[10][11]

• József Bánlaky: Military history of the Hungarian nation (MEK-OSZK), 0014/1149. The campaign of 1788.
• Matthew Z Mayer, Joseph II and the campaign of 1788 against the Ottoman Turks.
• Heinz Holzmann and Heinrich Salzer, The Veterani Cave at the Iron Gate (Romania). On the 200th anniversary of its defense against the Turks.